Radio: Launch of BBC Radio 1 CSP

Historical, social and cultural contexts

1) What radio stations were offered by the BBC before 1967?

• The Home Service.
• The Light Programme.
• The Third Programme.

2) How was BBC radio reorganised in September 1967? What were the new stations that launched?

Radios 1,2,3,and 4 each came into existence at 5.30 a.m. 30th September 1967

3) What was pirate radio and why was it popular?

Pirate radio was regarded as the best place to hear new music and particularly urban music

4) Why did pirate radio stop broadcasting in 1967?

The British government legislated against pirate radio stations, making their broadcasts illegal

5) How did the BBC attract young audiences to Radio 1 after pirate radio stations were closed down?

Many of the pirate station broadcasters then were employed by BBC Radio 1, thus bringing many of the their loyal listeners with them. Commercial radio didn't broadcast until 1973 so it had no competition.


6) What was 'needle time' and why was it a problem for BBC Radio?

Needle time was created in the United Kingdom by the Musicians' Union and Phonographic Performance Limited to restrict the amount of recorded music that could be transmitted by the BBC during any 24-hour period

7) How did BBC Radio 1 offer different content to previous BBC radio stations?

In response, the BBC reorganised and renamed their radio channels. On 30 September 1967, the Light Programme was split into Radio 1 offering continuous "Popular" music and Radio 2 more "Easy Listening

8) Who was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 and why did these new Radio 1 DJs cause upset initially at the traditional BBC?

Tony Blackburn


9) Listen to excerpts from the Tony Blackburn's first 1967 broadcast - how might it have appealed to young listeners?

Tony Blackburn’s first broadcast on Radio London in 1967 marked a significant shift in radio programming towards a more youthful and entertaining style.

10) What conventions did Tony Blackburn's radio show borrow from pirate radio - which made it very different to previous BBC radio content?

Tony Blackburn’s radio show borrowed the independent spirit of pirate radio, which was characterized by a rebellious and non-conformist approach to broadcasting. This independence allowed Blackburn to have more creative freedom and flexibility in his show compared to traditional BBC radio content.

Audience and industry

1) What was the target audience for BBC Radio 1 in 1967?

The BBC claims that it targets the 15–29 age group

2) Why did Radio 1 initially struggle to attract young listeners?

 The reasons why Radio 1 was not a success initially: It was not seen as 'cool' by many young people as the BBC stood for traditional, conservative values

3) What audience pleasures did Radio 1 offer listeners in 1967? (Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory).

4) How is the BBC funded?

License Fee

5) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would the preferred and oppositional readings have been for BBC Radio 1 in 1967? 

Preferred Reading for BBC Radio 1 in 1967:

The preferred reading for BBC Radio 1 in 1967, according to Stuart Hall’s Reception theory, would have been that the radio station was a progressive and innovative platform that aimed to cater to the changing tastes and preferences of the younger generation. It would have been seen as a reflection of the cultural shifts happening at that time, embracing new music genres and styles while also promoting a sense of community and shared identity among its listeners.

Oppositional Reading for BBC Radio 1 in 1967:

On the other hand, an oppositional reading of BBC Radio 1 in 1967 might have viewed the station as a tool of mainstream media control, serving to reinforce dominant ideologies and commercial interests rather than truly empowering diverse voices and perspectives. Critics could have argued that the station’s programming choices were limited by corporate agendas and political influences, leading to a homogenized representation of popular culture.